​Has Chris MacFarland taken a day off since taking over as Nashville Predators general manager? It sure doesn’t look that way. In his first month on the job, MacFarland has overhauled the front office by adding three executives, a new data analyst, a new development coach, and six new players to the roster. As the 2026-27 schedule release on July 16 approaches, his efforts to reposition the Predators for the competitive Western Conference are beginning to take shape.
There will undoubtedly be more changes to the roster. MacFarland himself hinted at this on July 1, noting that subtractions will be necessary. At the moment, the team has 26 players under contract for next season, a figure that must be trimmed to fewer than 23 by opening night.
That said, the influx of younger players has reset the Predators’ short-term outlook. The club’s top scorers from last season—Filip Forsberg, Ryan O’Reilly, and Steven Stamkos—return, now surrounded by a deeper, more talented supporting cast. By all indications, Nashville projects as a playoff team next season, with a potential climb into a top-three position within the Central Division.
Among the five additional forwards arriving in Nashville is Mavrik Bourque, a 24-year-old center acquired in a trade with the Dallas Stars. The others are Jack Drury, Ross Colton, Nils Hoglander, and Alex Kerfoot. These signings will push out players who had small roles last season, such as Joakim Kemell, Ozzy Wiesblatt, and Reid Schaefer, whose futures with the team remain uncertain. Vitali Pinchuk, however, who was signed before MacFarland’s arrival, still seems to be in the plan. Brady Martin, the Predators’ top pick in the 2025 draft, may begin the season in Milwaukee under a new rule that allows one 19-year-old to play on an AHL roster.
The defensive corps shows less turnover. The primary addition is 32-year-old Ilya Lyubushkin, acquired in the Bourque trade. Since Justin Barron was signed for another season, Ryan Ufko—who is exempt from waivers—could start the year in Milwaukee.
With the caveat that further moves could occur before training camp in the fall, here’s where the Predators stand lineup-wise, as of now:
Filip Forsberg – Ryan O’Reilly – Luke Evangelista
Steven Stamkos – Mavrik Bourque – Matthew Wood
Ross Colton – Jack Drury – Jonathan Marchessault
Alex Kerfoot – Vitali Pinchuk – Nils Hoglander
Extras: Reid Schaefer, Ozzy Wiesblatt
Nicolas Hague – Roman Josi
Brady Skjei – Nick Perbix
Adam Wilsby – Ilya Lyubushkin
Extras: Justin Barron
Juuse Saros
Justus Annunen
This rapid reshaping suggests a clear organizational strategy: surround the established stars with a blend of proven veterans and promising, dynamic young players, while keeping the defense disciplined and versatile. If the Predators can balance the roster by trimming contracts to the desired level and continuing to refine chemistry, they could emerge as a formidable force in the Western Conference next season. The coming weeks will be telling as additional moves unfold before training camp opens and the roster takes final shape for the 2026-27 campaign.